Puglia
How we got there: from Rome we hopped on the Leonardo express to FCO airport. We hopped on a quick Alitalia flight (about an hour gate to gate) to Brindisi. From Brindisi we rented a car and since we had a day before our Villa in Puglia was ready for checkin we made our way down to the old city of Lecce.Insiders tip: the following will be required while in Italy during summer months:1) mosquito repellent ( buy it at the local pharmacy)2) motion sickness prevention wrist bands (if long boat rides are planned)3) motion sickness pills (if long boat rides are planned)4) citronella candlesLecce: known for its baroque style buildings; walking through its gates is like walking back in time. The city is 2000 years old and you can sit on the steps of the churches and truly imagine what life was like back then.
Where we stayed: since we had one night in Lecce we opted for a bed and breakfast and found the La Viola Bead and Breakfast. The grounds are green and lush and the villa stands before you like a piece of history. The stonework is phenomenal. The rooms are classic and the host was a very welcoming and sweet man.
What we did: There is plenty to see in this city but with only a few hours we simply made our way through the gates of the old city and wandered the streets. The duomo is stunning and it's bells are like music echoing through the city.What we ate: Insiders tip: after landing in Brindisi look for the airport bakery justb before exiting. It has a large golden looking stone oven. Ask for a Rustico and take it to go you will not regret it! for an early apertivo we would highly recommend Gustiamo Restaraunt. Get there early to gram one of their few outdoor tables to people watch.
For dinner we Blue Notte came highly recommended and did not disappoint. The tuna tartare as well as the tuna steak were phenomenal. Be sure to stress that you would like to dine on the patio.
To the VillaThis year as in the past we opted to rent a villa. To better explore the region of Puglia we opted for a town called Cutrofiano. Located approximately midway between Otranto and Gallipoli this allowed us to be positioned well to explore the various beaches/towns of southeast Italy. This year we found our villa on airbnb and it did not disappoint (see link for listing)https://abnb.me/VE6oXnqZlOThis airbnb had 4 bedrooms, one small single alcove and two large couches and 4 bathrooms. One of the bedrooms offered enhanced privacy and was detached from the main house. The house was well decorated and was warm and welcoming. The pool was stunning and the property boasted lovely fruit trees and was adjacent to a lovely vineyard.
What we Did: The southeast region of Italy is primed for discovery. Given our perfect location we were easily able to navigate to many different points of interest keeping our farthest destination to approximately 53 minutes by car. A car is a must in this region as ride-sharing is non-existent and public transportation is nowhere to be seen.Day TripsActivities:Boat Ride: Renting a boat for at least one day is a must. We opted for a beautiful sailboat which offered us both the unique experience of exploring the region by water while learning a bit about the art of sailing. Our boat Bambina, captained by Luigi was chartered though PugliAround. The seven hour excursion offered two points of anchor where we were able to dip into the crystal clear waters far from beach goers. An absolutely delicious lunch that was prepared below deck was served.Insiders Tip: For those with motion sickness most Pharmacies in the region have both the wrist pressure point bracelets as well as motion sickness medications which are somewhat sedating. For those with more moderate motion sickness a motorboat may be a better option.
[wpvideo 606KryO1 ]Gallipoli: Since our disembarkation from the boat excursion brought us to the Gallipoli port we decided to explore the town. As with most towns in this region Gallipoli has its own charm and warmth. Most impressive in this town was the juxtaposition of the old stone wall bordering the ocean. Filled with small shops and winding walkways it is a great town to explore.Insiders tip: The towns are "sleepy" until about 5/5:30 at which time apertivo begins. I would recommend walking around a bit to see what each establishments apertivo looks like. This traditional Italian practice involves having a great cocktail ( you can never go wrong with an Aperol Spritz). In some places your drink comes with complimentary starters to help foster your thirst mechanism. These "extras" can be as simple as olives or nuts to a more comprehensive. In Gallipoli we found a beautiful venue just in front of the La Riviera Bead and Breakfast. I highly recommend getting there early and getting photo ready for the sunset.While we were provided a local recommendation for a restaraunt Il Pettolino our overall consensus was that we WOULD NOT recommend it. Try to find a more traditional trattoria. Trip advisor is generally quite helpful.Insider Tip: For parking always follow signs to the port where paid and public parking are almost always available.
Punto Pinto Proscuitto: Located approximately 1 hour from our villa we head toward samana beach. The beaches get busy early so for front row beds ( approximately 25 euros for two beds and an umbrella) get there early. Flip flops are a must as the sand is extraordinarily warm. Once you have settled in enjoy the most stunning crystal clear waters.Insiders Tip: if the samana beach club is full simply find beds and an umbrella at the local public beach vendor at a bit of a cheaper price. You can still access the Samana beach club for lunch (look for a great tundra salad).
La Grotta Della Poesia di Roca/ Torre Dell'Orso and the town of Otrento: A beautiful natural Grotta is well worth the trip. Have your adventurous self ready to dive jump into crystal clear waters, swim through caves and explore the Grotta. There is a beach a short distance away so plan to spend an hour or so at the Grotta and pair it with the next stop ( listed below).Insider Tip: Make sure to have flip flops ( ideally something similar to swims which will help you navigate the jagged edges of the rock bed).
Torre Dell'Orso: We stumbled upon a local beach aptly named the Caribbean of Salento. The I Caraibi Del Salento was a pristine beach with water that was as crystal clear and any island in the Philippines and as still as a bay. Shallow waters make it a great place to travel if you have kids.Insider tip: For 15 euros rent a water bicycle( with a slide) and make your way out for an hour of exploration. You will come across a stunning Due Sorelle Rock formation. Take a break from pedaling and slide into the waters for a great selfie.
